First United Methodist Church New Braunfels

10-18-2009 Contemporary Service

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:36:20 GMT

"Why Me Lord?" By Associate Pastor Harold Sassman Job 38 The LORD Speaks 1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: 2 "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? 3 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? 6 On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone- 7 while the morning stars sang together and all the angels [a] shouted for joy?

10-11-2009 Sermon

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:04:45 GMT

Prayer and a starving cat By Associate Pastor Laura Heikes I've got two cats who serve as daily reminders of the way I approach God. One, I'd like to emulate, the other, not so much. If you wonder how to pray, or would like to go a little deeper in your prayer life, Sunday's sermon is for you! Below, you'll find a prayer guide. The only way most of us know how to pray is sitting with our hands folded and heads bowed. Have you ever thought of praying while walking, or listening to music? What about keeping a prayer journal or using prayer positions? There is a different way to pray for each day of the week. Give each a try and see if you discover something you like! Pumpkins are here! This year's pumpkin patch is the best ever! The youth, parents and Terri have done an amazing job. Come by for beautiful pictures and pick up a pumpkin- all proceeds benefit the youth group. It's not too late to join the Pumpkin Crew. Volunteers are needed to tend the patch and greet and help visitors. Email Pierre to sign up! Fall Festival, a free event filled with fun and games is happening this Saturday, Oct 10 from 4-7pm at the church. Be sure to bring your friends and tell others. Everyone is invited! Prayer Guide Monday Praying through scripture Psalm 46 and Revelation 6:12-17 Read through Psalm 46 three times, then read Revelation 6:12-17. Both of these passages talk about disasters so grave that even the things we think are permanent and unchangeable disintegrate. Picture a catastrophe so great that all places of security collapse. Image not only physical upheaval, but the destruction of financial places of security, government, the medical system. Think over the people’s reaction in the passage from Revelation. Which feel most secure? Does wealth create a different response? Does power? Now hear the reassuring words of the psalmist: “God is our refuge and strength.” Picture yourself believing this in the situation just imagined. What turmoil or trail are you facing today? How does God want to be your refuge and strength? Pray that he will be your security in these areas. Visualize the people you know who are “hiding in caves and among the rocks,” looking for security in places that offer no safety. Pray for these people as God leads you. Tuesday Journaling Today try writing down your thoughts and prayers, addressing God directly, as if you were writing him a letter. Read through Psalm 46 and Revelation 6:12-17 again. What new things jump out at you? Write these insights down, along with any parts of the scripture that are especially meaningful to you. Using the ACTS (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication): Write a few words of praise to God based on this psalm. How does the psalmist describe him? Who is he to you? Who does he want to be to the lost? Where do you find your security? In God? In something else? Write down the things you are tempted to trust. God is asking you to give him your full weight—confess where you fail to do this and ask for his help. Write down some of the things you celebrate about your life. What good things has God done lately? Thank him. Finally, is there something that you want to ask of God? Use this time to write down your requests. Please pray for his mighty presence to be felt and heeded in our church. Wednesday Body Prayer Pray again using the ACTS model. This time add body movements: When you adore God, thanking him for who he is, lift your hands. In confession, drop your hands, palms to the floor, as if you were dropping your sins at God’s feet. Imagine truly separating yourself from them, releasing them from your hands. As you thank God, turn your face upwards. You might want to clasp your hands together or use another movement that would express thanks. Tell him thank you with your body as well as your words. Finally, in supplication, lift your hands upward, palms up. Offer the people, situations, and concerns you are praying for to God. As him to take them into his competent hands. To this model, I’d also suggest adding a time to listen to what God wants to say to you. Thursday Song Read the scriptures again and listen to a Christian song that has significance for you. The first time through, just listen to the words, quieting your heart and breathing as you enter an attitude of prayer. Play it again. As you listen, pray in whatever way seems most natural. Perhaps you would want to make the words of the song into your prayer. Perhaps you would like to journal as you listen to the song. Maybe you would like to involve your body, raising your hands and lifting your head to receive what God has to say to you. Pray in the way that feels best as you listen. Friday Prayer outside Find a cool, peaceful place to sit outside. Look at the world around you. Psalm 19 says: 1The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship. 2Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. 3They speak without a sound or a word; their voice is silent in the skies, 4yet their message has gone out to all the earth, and their words to all the world. In what ways can you see God at work in the natural world? How is the created world praising God today? Pray that its message will not be lost on those in San Angelo today. Pray also for those who mistakenly worship the created world, that they would know and worship its creator. Saturday Intercession Today pray for the needs of others. You may want to write your prayers down, or to use the scriptures to help you do this, or use any of the other methods you liked previously. Pray today for specific situations and people who come to your mind. Ask God to be present in those situations.

10-04-2009 Youth Sunday

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:14:34 GMT

This week the youth are leading all three services! We have combined all these service's messages into one podcast. Today's messages are delivered by: Kirby Fisher, "Going Through the Motions" Bliven Szakacsy Eric Garcia

09-27-2009 Contemporary Service

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 14:43:16 GMT

Finding God at the County Fair. By Associate Pastor Laura Heikes Laura concludes her Finding God series with a trip to the county fair!

09-27-2009 Traditional Service

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 14:38:41 GMT

"What do United Methodists Believe about Jesus" By Senior Pastor Keith Wyatt Matthew 16:13-20 (New International Version) Peter's Confession of Christ 13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" 14They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ,[a] the Son of the living God." 17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter,[b] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[c] will not overcome it.[d] 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be[e] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[f] loosed in heaven." 20Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

09-20-2009 Contemporary Service

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:49:44 GMT

Rollbacks, yes, but where is God at Walmart?

Walmart? Blech! I go out of my way to avoid it. The parking lot! The crazy people! And heaven help me- the customer service line! So where is God in the modern marketplace? I'll attempt to answer this worthy question on Sunday.

You'll find this week's study guide (for further study on the Hoity Toit sermon topic- seeking out those lost in darkness) at the bottom of the email.

Did you catch this week's video of where people like you found God in daily life this week? If not, check it out here. Then be sure to report sightings back to me for Week 3!

Mission Opportunity

Many of you have been asking for a way to get involved in local mission work. Join the Pumpkin crew! Our church is known for this community space and families from around town, many of whom have no idea about faith, come to enjoy the pumpkins. That's why we need you. Sign up to work in the pumpkin patch and you'll be on the front line of outreach in our community. It's about more than taking money- you'll be developing relationships. Email Pierre to sign up! And remember, youth and their families will earn scholarship money for all hours worked.

Study Guide 1 Thess. 5:6-8 speaks of life before and after being a Christian. What characterized the life of “sleep” and “night” for you? What has it meant to wake up? What is the day like in comparison?

In Matthew 9:10-13, Jesus gets flack about who he's hanging out with. Tax collectors are mentioned by name. They worked for the Romans, the very people who were currently occupying Israel . They were known for collecting more than necessary and pocketing the rest. Who might Jesus be criticized for hanging around with in today’s society?

Look back over yesterday’s scripture. Remember a time when you’ve been sick. We often forget how that feels when we’re well. Think about how it feels to be spiritually sick, and then read Jesus' words again. How does it feel to hear him say this? What does Jesus mean when he says it’s the sick who need a doctor?

Romans 5:7-8 talks about the meaning of Jesus’ death. Think of the sinners you know. Now recall Jesus’ death. Pray today that they would know this kind of love and mercy.

Matt 28:16-20 contains the Great Commission- the marching orders for the church. We often think of this call as a summons to faraway places. What are the places nearby that would be just as hard to visit? God wants you to go somewhere as his witness- where do you think that is?

09-20-2009 Traditional Service

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:46:50 GMT

"The Strength That is In You" By Willie Berman Judges 6:11-16 (New International Version) 11 The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. 12 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." 13 "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the LORD has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian." 14 The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" 15 "But Lord , [a] " Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." 16 The LORD answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together."

09-13-2009 Contemporary Service

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 15:26:00 GMT

Where is God in a bar? We'll continue our sermon series on discovering God's presence in strange and difficult places with a message about where I found God at the Hoity Toit Bar. I'll be sure to share with you all the kooky stories that went along with this adventure. The study guide below is for further study about last week's message (Rest). The one for the Hoity Toit will be in next week's email (that way I don't ruin the surprise!). 1. Psalm 19:1-2 speaks of the silent witness creation gives about God. As I write, it's raining for the first time in so long. Find a time to go outside today and listen. How does the work of God’s hands speak to you about him? 2. Acts 14:16-17 was a staple in my seminary mission classes. We rooted ourselves in the idea that there was no country, no people we could visit where God has not already been. What does that mean for you in daily life? What does it mean for us in New Braunfels ? What are some places where you’d wonder if there was evidence of God? 3. In Mark 6:30-32, Jesus calls his tired disciples to rest. What work was he leaving behind? Why was he willing to do this? Have you ever heard him call you to rest? Read a little further- what happens? How can we know when it’s okay to interrupt our rest and when it’s not? 4. Genesis 2:1-2 is the completion of the creation account. Why did God rest? If God rested, are we too important to rest? How often do you rest for a full day? What prevents you? What might encourage you? 5. Exodus 20:8-11. Which of the ten commandments is this? Why did God include this in his foundational laws? Notice the detailed list of people who are not supposed to work. Translate that into today’s language. How can we help others rest in our lives?

09-13-2009 Traditional Service

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 15:21:37 GMT

"What Do United Methodists Believe About God?" By Senior Pastor Keith Wyatt Psalm 90 BOOK IV : Psalms 90-106 A prayer of Moses the man of God. 1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. 2 Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

09-06-2009 11:00AM Traditional Service

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 15:45:44 GMT

"Working on Salvation" By Associate Pastor Harold Sassman James 2:14-26 (New International Version) Faith and Deeds 14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. 19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[a]? 21Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,"[b] and he was called God's friend. 24You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. 25In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

09-06-2009 Contemporary Service

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 15:28:33 GMT

Finding God! This Sunday, in honor of Labor Day, we'll kick off our September sermon series (Finding God) with a sermon on Finding God on The River. We all avoid the river in the summer and the reasons are obvious. Trash, drunks, frat boys and felons- it's just...icky. So where is God in the midst of all that, and was I crazy to invite the youth to help me look? Come join us and bring a friend. So I don't ruin the surprise, the study guide will come with the next email (so we'll have the sermon, then study). Email us when you find God... This week I saw a car back up a tiny bit to let someone else into our long line of traffic. What generosity! Where did you see God this week? We're collecting stories and pictures. Email them to Amber, our media tech, at ladida@rocketmail.com or text her at 708-3829. She'll use the pictures and stories we give her to create a video collage each week of where our congregation saw God. It would be so sad if it was blank... :(

09-06-2009 8:30AM Traditional Service

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 15:20:16 GMT

"What About God's Laws?" By Senior Pastor Keith Wyatt Exodus 20 The Ten Commandments 1 And God spoke all these words: 2 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3 "You shall have no other gods before [a] me. 4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments. 7 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. 8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. 12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. 13 "You shall not murder. 14 "You shall not commit adultery. 15 "You shall not steal. 16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

08-30-2009 Contemporary Service

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:34:26 GMT

This Sunday's Message: SHEEP and CHEERIOS I refuse to say more. Except I have a present that goes with the sermon. And it's Gospel Sunday! I hope to see you there!

08-30-2009 Traditional Service

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:12:18 GMT

"I Never Cease to Be Amazed" By Senior Pastor, Keith Wyatt Luke 5:17-26 Jesus Heals a Paralytic 17One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick. 18Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. 19When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. 20When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." 21The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 22Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 23Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? 24But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." He said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 25Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. 26Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today."

08-23-2009 Contemporary Sermon

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 13:41:45 GMT

"Things I Wish Jesus Hadn't Said" By Carol Bissett

08-23-2009 Traditional Sermon

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 13:36:43 GMT

"Improvement Needed!" By Senior Pastor, Keith Wyatt Isaiah 55 Invitation to the Thirsty 1 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. 3 Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. 4 See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander of the peoples. 5 Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations that do not know you will hasten to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor." 6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

08-16-2009 Sermon

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 13:42:41 GMT

"Why Don't We Travel Lighter?" By Senior Pastor Keith Wyatt Today, Keith preaches at all three services! Matthew 11:28-30 (New International Version) 28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

08-09-2009 Contemporary Sermon

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 13:38:49 GMT

Divine Water: the work of the Spirit Water has been on everyone's mind lately. God's people lived in a climate much like ours, so they knew the value and power of water. Could that be why we see the Holy Spirit's work associated with water? This week is the last in a series about the work of the Holy Spirit. I promise skunks, strength contests, and dying plants (I can't wait for Sunday)! This week's study guide David, God's chosen king, had screwed up his life. Lust led to adultery, conspiracy and murder. When confronted, Davidrealizes his sin and prays for God's mercy and forgiveness. Psalm 51:10 contains his prayer. How do you think God creates a pure heart from a dirty one? How does he renew a right spirit within those who've chosen to forsake right living? Read the familiar words of Psalm 23:1-3 in a different translation (I've linked the New Living Translation). Imagine yourself as a sheep: defenseless, prone to wandering. What kind of life does the Spirit invite us into? How can you allow God to tenderly lead and refresh you today? The founder of the Methodist church, John Wesley, emphasized the work of the Holy Spirit. Wesley saw the Spirit at work in pardoning our sins and making us right with God. He called this justification, and it happens in an instant, like we read in 2 Cor 5:17. What does it mean to be a completely "new person?" How should we treat our past? How should we deal with the things others did before they were Christians? The Spirit is also seen in the slow work of Sanctification- teaching Christians how to love God with heart, soul, mind and strength. Jesus talks about this in John 3:5-6. If coming to faith is like birth, what are the next steps like? The Spirit begins to reshape our lives, but it's a constant struggle between his work and our own sinful desires. We are encouraged to allow the Spirit to transform and renew us (Romans 12:1-2). Where do your natural tendencies conflict with what the Spirit wants to do in your life? Where have you seen the Spirit transform you already? What work remains to be done?

08-09-2009 Traditional Sermon

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 13:29:01 GMT

"Are You Hungry?" By Associate Pastor Harold Sassman John 6:35 (New International Version) 35Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:41-51 (New International Version) 41At this the Jews began to grumble about him because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." 42They said, "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, 'I came down from heaven'?" 43"Stop grumbling among yourselves," Jesus answered. 44"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. 45It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.'[a] Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. 46No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. 47I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. 48I am the bread of life. 49Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. 50But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. 51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."

08-02-2009 Contemporary Sermon

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 15:36:37 GMT

Burn, baby, burn: the Spirit's power While you might do well to heed what your mother told you about playing with matches, the Holy Spirit is a fire you actually want in your home. This week we'll talk about how the Spirit works in power, yes, in you. This week's study guide In Acts 1:4-8, Jesus prepares the disciples for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Why was this the last thing he spoke of? What kind of power did they receive? Why does Jesus call the Spirit a "gift?" Read Acts 2, the account of how the Holy Spirit first came upon Jesus' followers. Try to imagine the scene as an observer. What do you hear, what do you see, what are you thinking, what are those around you thinking? How does it feel when 3,000 people believe? In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit had only been given to prophets, judges, kings and other leaders. 1 John 4:13 says that all believers have the Spirit as proof that we belong to God. Early Christians were mostly uneducated, common people who found the courage to teach the world about the Messiah and the boldness to die for their faith. In what ways do you think the Spirit contributed to that? As powerful as the Holy Spirit is, we may still resist him effectively (Eph. 4:30). Why? What could we do to quench, choke, or extinguish the work of the Spirit in our lives? Jeremiah is called the weeping prophet. He spoke words of correction to a people unwilling to listen. It must have been such a draining job. But the prophet laments that he can't stop, because God's word is like fire in his bones (Jer. 20:9). What a good reminder that doing God's will isn't always comfortable. When has God's work been difficult for you to do?

08-02-2009 Traditional Sermon

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 15:24:58 GMT

"Mountains or Mole Hills" By Senior Pastor, Keith Wyatt Luke 19:41-48 (New International Version) 41As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you." Jesus at the Temple 45Then he entered the temple area and began driving out those who were selling. 46"It is written," he said to them, " 'My house will be a house of prayer'[a]; but you have made it 'a den of robbers.'[b]" 47Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. 48Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words

07-26-2009 Contemporary Sermon

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 03:26:35 GMT

New series on the Holy Spirit The more I learn about the Spirit, the more I want to know. We don't talk about the Spirit much in Methodist churches, but I want to change that. So- this Sunday we'll begin a series on the Holy Spirit by talking about ways the Spirit acts as breath or wind. Below you'll find scriptures and questions to get ready for this Sunday. (You can click on the scriptures this week and it will take you to an online version of each. Let me know what you think) 1. Read Genesis 1:1-2. Darkness, deep waters and chaos were all frightening. Why was the Spirit hovering over them? In what ways have you see God hover over places of chaos in your life before calling forth life and order? 2. The Holy Spirit is called "helper." We are told he will help us communicate with God the Father (Jude 1:20 and Romans 8:26), testify to hostile authorities (Luke 12:12) and speak to others in ways we were unable to before (Acts 2:1-8). Read these passages and reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding our speech. 3. Jesus says that the HS can be unpredictable (John 3:8). He knew that from firsthand experience, when after the glory of his baptism, the Spirit led him into the wilderness for 40 days (Luke 4:1-2). When has the Spirit led you in a direction you didn't expect? How do you think the Spirit "led" Jesus? What should we do to be open to hearing the Spirit in our lives? 4. We see in the book of Acts how the Spirit works to give direction to believers. The Spirit encourages them to begin mission work (Acts 13:1-4), anoints and directs leadership (Acts 20:28) and even corrects Paul's missionary travel plan (Acts 16:6). How is this like the way the Spirit works in your life and in the life of our church? How could we be more open to the Spirit's direction, both individually and as a church? 5. Read Ezekiel 37:1-14. What is hopeless in your life- as dead as the dried out bones? Invite the Holy Spirit into that scene and pray for new life.

07-25-2009 Traditional Sermon

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 03:23:05 GMT

"Christians are Keepers of the Springs" By Senior Pastor, Keith Wyatt Matthew 5:1-16 (New International Version) Matthew 5 The Beatitudes 1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying: 3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Salt and Light 13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

07-19-2009 Contemporary Sermon

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 04:12:50 GMT

"Faith Like a Youth" By Youth Director, Terri Hartman

07-19-2009 Traditional Sermon

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 04:06:11 GMT

"Spirit Gifts" By Associate Pastor, Harold Sassman Bonus Special Music by Pedro Aleman: http://fumcnb.org/music/7-19-09%20Mansion%20Over%20the%20Hilltop%20-%20Pedro%20Aleman.mp3 1 Corinthians 12:4-24 (New International Version) 4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. 12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it,

07-12-2009 Contemporary Sermon

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:34:00 GMT

Seeds and Computers This is the last Sunday in our series on the book of Galatians. In Chapter 6, you can tell Paul is talking to a farming society, because he say: you harvest the crop you plant. Plant beans, get beans. Both in your fields and in your life. So be sure you plant with care and purpose. We'll bring this metaphor into the computer age this Sunday. To get ready, read Galatians 6 this week. Bring your Bible with you to church- we'll be using it! Here are some questions to ponder as you read: 1. My Bible uses "We Harvest what we Plant" as the title for 6:1-10. What does yours call it? What message is Paul trying to communicate with the Galatians? I'll use a computer programming metaphor, but how might you translate this agricultural metaphor into something that would connect with people today? 2. How have you seen Christians respond when one of us sins? What does Paul encourage us to do? How did Jesus respond to sin (one example: John 8:1-11)? 3. When do you compare yourself to others (6:4)? How do those comparisons make you feel? What is the alternative suggested here? 4. Why would Paul include caring for your pastors (6:6) as part of this section (harvesting what we plant)? Do you think it was awkward for him to mention this, considering he was their pastor? 5. What would it mean to boast only about the cross of Christ, as Paul hopes to in Gal 6:14? Has your interest in this world been crucified? What does Paul mean that the world is no longer interested in him?

07-12-2009 Traditional Sermon

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:02:46 GMT

"Looking at Ourselves" By Senior Pastor, Keith Wyatt John 4:7-30 (New International Version) 7When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a]) 10Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." 11"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?" 13Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." 15The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." 16He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back." 17"I have no husband," she replied. Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. 18The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true." 19"Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem." 21Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." 25The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." 26Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he." The Disciples Rejoin Jesus 27Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, "What do you want?" or "Why are you talking with her?" 28Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29"Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ[b]?" 30They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

07-05-2009 Contemporary Sermon

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:22:19 GMT

Want to hear about the time Pastor Laura almost came to blows with teens on cell phones? Want to know how that relates to July 4? Dare her to tie it into our study of Galatians? Join us Sunday in your red, white and blue garb as we celebrate our freedom and see how those random thoughts come together. To get ready, read Galatians 5 this week. Bring your Bible with you to church- we'll be using it! Here are some questions to ponder as you read: 1. Galatians 5:1 urges us, as freed people, not to get tied up again in slavery to the law. What are the rules or "laws" that most tangle you up? What do you see entangling other Christians? What's the difference, practically speaking, between getting tangled by laws and seeking to live a life obedient to Christ? 2. In 5:7-8, Paul compares the life of faith to a race and asks "who has held you back?" Are there people in your life who hold you back in your faith? What counsel do you think Paul would give you? Now call to mind those who encourage you to run harder. Take time to thank one of them today. 3. Gal 5:13 talks about how we shouldn't use our freedom- what does it say? This is the week of July 4. What noble uses of freedom do you see? What selfish ones? Consider your spiritual freedom- from what have you been set free? How are you responding? 4. We find the answer to the question about how to have a Christian life without living by lists and rules in this verse. Who is the answer? How would one choose to live a "life of the Spirit" and how would that look different than a life of obeying rules? 5. The fruits of the Spirit are listed and compared to the outcome of the sinful life in 5:19-23. Make a list of the fruit and write out an example of each and name a person who has demonstrated that quality.

07-05-2009 Traditional Sermon

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:15:14 GMT

"He Calms the Storms of Life" By Senior Pastor Keith Wyatt Luke 8:22-25 (New International Version) Jesus Calms the Storm 22One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. 23As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. 24The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25"Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."

06-28-2009 Contemporary Sermon

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:30:32 GMT

This Sunday, Pastor Laura continues her series on Galatians, Paul's angry little letter to churches gone bad. To get ready, read Galatians 3-4 this week. Then bring your Bible with you to church- we'll be using them! Here are some questions to ponder as you read: 1. "Oh, foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you?" (Gal 3:1). Paul calls this church to account! What was it about this issue that motivated Paul to use such forceful words? Think of times that Jesus (or others) confronted problems directly and forcefully. When might this kind of approach be appropriate for today's pastors? 2. Gal 3:14 claims that "Through the work of Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham..." What are some of the promises God made to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 15, 17:1-14, 22:15-19)? How might Jews have been upset that after years of (attempted) faithfulness, the newbies were "cutting in line?" What does this say about God's feelings toward other nations and people, even today? 3. Read Genesis 17:1-14 again, with special attention to verses 9-14. Why might the Jewish Christians have struggled to let go of the requirement of circumcision? What had Christ done that made it possible to be God's people without this marking? What else became obsolete? Why? 4. Gal 3:26-28 is one of the most beautiful statements in all of scripture: "So you are all children of God though faith in Christ Jesus...There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all Christians- you are all one in Christ Jesus." What is it about our faith that eliminates what formerly divided us? How have you seen this to be true? Write out the barriers that faith should eliminate today. 5. Gal 4:1-7 talks about the difference between being slaves and children. What have you been a slave to? Why do you think God chose to call us children instead of servants, slaves, or followers? 6. In Gal 4:9, Paul says that the believers have "found God" and then adds, "or should I say...God has found you." Which one is it? When and where did God "find" you?

06-28-2009 Traditional Sermon

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:22:26 GMT

"Thy Kingdom Come" By Associate Pastor, Harold Sassman. Today, Harold talks about the Kingdom of God and the proposed "Kingdom Season", call kingdomtide. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdomtide

06-21-2009 Contemporary Sermon

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:49:31 GMT

This Sunday, Pastor Laura begins a series on Galatians, Paul's angry little letter to churches gone bad. To get ready, read Galatians 1-2 this week. Then bring your Bible with you to church- we'll be using them! Here are some questions to ponder as you read: 1. What do you gather about Paul's life story from these chapters? How does it compare with what you find in Acts 9:1-31. Why might it be important for Paul to remind these churches of this part of his story? 2. What does "apostle" (1:1) mean? Who else was called "apostle?" Why would Paul use this term in naming himself and his position? Do you think he's justified? 3. Were the Galatians Jewish prior to their conversion? 4. What is the tone of this letter? How would you describe it? How does it compare to other letters Paul writes (example: check out Philippians 1:1-11)? 5. Paul reminds them that he would not be serving Christ if he still wanted to please people (1:10). In what ways does pleasing people pull you in a different way than what pleases Christ?

06-21-2009 Traditional Sermon

FirstUMC New Braunfels Texas — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:46:23 GMT

"Keep the Sabbath Holy" By Senior Pastor Keith Wyatt